d courtesy of GreenBank Farm
John Doe
courtesy of Visit Kitsap
tening lakes and sprawling lawns. You’ll find rural venues throughout the Kitsap region such as the Farm Kitchen in Kingston, Red Cedar Farm in Poulsbo, Dragonfly Farm in Hansville, Kitsap County’s Island Lake Park & Community Center in Silverdale, Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Rodstol Farm in Southworth, Wisteria Gardens in Port Orchard, and Manchester State Park in South Kitsap. With 370 miles of shoreline, Kitsap Peninsula also offers gorgeous
ing, is the perfect place for additional seating or a smaller event. French doors in the main barn open to yet another lawn, perfect for outdoor reception seating as well as BBQs. Ceremonies may be held anywhere on the grounds of Greenbank Farm including the Ridge Trail Viewpoint which features a 180-degree panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, as well as the Cascade Mountains, Saratoga Passage, and the entrance to Holmes Harbor and Mt. Rainier. Additionally, there are our unique pond side gardens maintained by the WSU Master Gardener Program and the Greenbank Garden Club to surround guests in a spectacle of native flowers, trees, and plants. Intimate gatherings may be held in the Shady Grotto Garden; its lush greenness and soft shading
ference Center located on the waterfront with expansive views of Sinclair Inlet and Bremerton’s Harborside Marina. The Kitsap Conference Center offers 10,000 square feet of venue space in the main facility, outdoor venue space at the Harborside Fountain Park, complete with five majestic copper fountains, and the companion indoor Harborside Fountain Room for up to 200 guests.
Nearly all Kitsap golf courses offer venues that combine romantic, natural settings with excellent on-site catering services. Large venues include Gold Mountain Golf Club just outside of Bremerton and Whitehorse Golf Club near Kingston. In addition to venue space, The Point Casino and Suquamish
see GreenBank page 7
see Kitsap page 11 courtesy of Visit Kitsap
With spectacular views and easy access from Puget Sound by ferry, bridge or highway, the Kitsap Peninsula is the perfect destination to say “I do” or celebrate any special occasion. The Kitsap Peninsula offers a variety of venues in a wide range of prices as well as full-service event planning services and resources. Many of our most popular venues are located in lovely, rural county settings filled with flowers in bloom, towering evergreen, glis-
venues on or overlooking the waterfront including the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion in Port Orchard, Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo and Elandan Garden in Bremerton. Many marinas in Kitsap also offer venue space. For a true sandy beach wedding there is the spacious Silverdale Waterfront Park, Point-NoPoint Light House in Hansville. You’ll also find some very modern venues like the Kitsap Con-
Just a short trip from Seattle via ferry, historic Greenbank Farm on scenic Whidbey Island offers a picturesque setting for any wedding or special occasion. From cowboy boots to high heels, you set the tone for your celebration the way you want. Versatile spaces at Greenbank Farm allow for easy transformation from rustic and charming to country elegance. Our historic 1904 barn, a large, light-filled space, now serves as our main indoor gathering space, perfect for your celebration and able to accommodate up to 250 guests. Out one side of the barn guests enjoy pastoral views of gradual hills and other Farm structures; the other side of the barn features views of the Farm pond encircled by lovely gardens. The open and airy downstairs is contrasted with the more intimate feeling of the loft. The wood loft, with its gentle light-
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Seattle Gay News
February 13, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
“The Life of Love” spoken word from Diverse Harmony’s January 16-17 concert at Broadway Performance Hall [Untitled] by Jorah Atkinson Diverse Harmony member In life we are taught that bigger is almost always better. Bigger paychecks, bigger cars, even bigger words. Yes, words are no exception to this rule. Strange enough one of our strongest words is very small, only four letters actually. L-O-V-E. Love. It inspires artists, authors, and musicians. And when you have it everything is brighter and all those silly love songs make sense. Your days always have sunshine and you aren’t alone anymore. But then you lose it. And you’re alone again and the sun is covered by an angry rain cloud. And all you’re left with are tear-filled memories, and an aching heart, and four silly letters. “lovesick melody” by Maya Rodriquez Diverse Harmony member “Hey mom, I heard big brother said that love is like having something in my pants, that true? Really? Your brother said that? Someone’s getting a beating after school today. Listen, love is something that you’ll feel one day with your partner, someone that will love you forever and support you and have your back.” “Who’s Been at the Toothpaste?” by Javion Smith, age 19 Diverse Harmony member
Now, let me smell your breath.”
It’s become so hard to use, it’s like trying to get toothpaste out of a packet of nuts. You know who you are. I won’t ask you to come out here, now, but you know who you are.
And then you went and left the top off, didn’t you? “Love can be messy, sometimes. Love isn’t So now, that toothpaste has turned to cement. perfect. That’s why we say ‘Love is blind, it’s deaf, it’s dyslexic...’ So what I want to do is People who do things like that should... show you what I think love is to me.” You should be ashamed of yourself. I know I am. Who’s been at the toothpaste? I know some of you do it right, I mean...I love you and all, but... and you squeeze the tube from the bottom, What am I doing? Accusing you like that? and you roll up the tube as it gets used up, At least you had the decency to brush your don’t you? nasty teeth. And, 9/10 dentists do recommend Crest! But someone, someone here You know who you are. I’m sorry. You stuck your thumb in anywhere, anyhow, And if it was you, and now you’ve turned that tube of toothpaste I forgive you. into a squashed sock. Because I love you.
“You” by Autumn White, age 16 Diverse Harmony member When I look at you, time stops. Seconds, hours, weeks, years, I don’t care if they pass because when I look at you, nothing else exists. You are a spotlight on my dark stage, but I’m afraid if I step too far into your beam it may shut off. When I look at you, I am an eagle. I am high with no smoke in my lungs, free to paint the skies with the iridescent influxes of my irregular heartbeats. I wish my tongue could sketch you a sampling on the inside of your mouth that would do justice to the ecstasy that engorges me every time you touch my face, I wish we could switch places for just an instant so that I could understand the true meaning of the word “perfect” and you could see through these rose-colored glasses how absolutely stunning you are.
When you look at me, my mouth has to become a dam to hold in the flood of surreptitious syllables threatening to tumble out, tripping over each other on the way to your eardrums. Angel, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to catch you when you fell from heaven, but I hope you’re there to catch me next time I see you because you are a spiral staircase, and I have a habit of tripping on your first step and falling all over again. There are no rails on this ascent, but I’ll take all the time I need to ensure a safe climb because the view only gets better as I go, and to see you I’d walk for days. Every glance I receive from you makes my stomach try to double-dutch, and though the ropes always end up in knots, it skips on every time you look my way. When our fingers interlock, I am running a marathon. I hate running, but the goal is you and that is motivation enough for me. I worry that you’re not here to stay, and you squeeze a reassurance that this race has miles to go. You are a rock, and you make sure I’m not going to sink before you let me doggie-paddle in this anthem of apologies written by enemies with power but no knowledge. You become the edge of my swimming pool, and I feel your grasp as the water covers me. We are swimming, racing, chasing, leaping, and your voice becomes the soundtrack to my joy. I hope this song never ends. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Queer-straight alliance youth chorus. Based in Seattle, our chorus presents music that opens the hearts and minds of communities and provides a safe environment for youth of diverse backgrounds to share their love of music and be accepted for who they are. Our vision is a world in which differences are celebrated. Our mission is to create a safe, affirming environment where each person is accepted for who they are. We use our passion and the power of music to inspire all to celebrate the differences in our homes, communities and the world. Courtesy of Diverse Harmony and the authors
Diverse Harmony
Visit us online www.sgn.org
February 13, 2015
Seattle Gay News
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courtesy of Rein Fire Ranch
ner with vendors who share similar goals and standards as we do here at Rein Fire Ranch,” Kaalaas told SGN. “Our role is to work with you or your event planner to develop a setting that will reflect your vision of the perfect wedding day.” Basic rental package includes parking for your friends and family, use of the picturesque meadows, ceremony garden and pavilion and cocktail cabana, along with an onsite facility planning coordinator during your event. Whatever your vision, they are available to work with you to make it happen. Facility details include a 50’ x 80’ Reception Barn, twenty 60” Round Tables (seating for 160), two hundred White Garden Folding Chairs, Facility Planning Coordinator, two Parking Attendants, two ADA Portable Restrooms (upgrades available through Royal Restrooms) and ample parking for up to 250 guests. Time frame works out to a 12 hour rental period, including time for your decorating/deliveries and clean up, occurring between the hours of 10 a.m.-10 p.m., a one hour Rehearsal will be available the week Kaalaas told Seattle Gay News. “It started erything from catering, floral, photography before your ceremony on a space available basis during their normal business hours off as a fully working horse ranch with and video and more. boarding, race horse training and some foaling of new barns.” A lot can change in over a decade. Now this rustic country setting includes a number of unique features, allowing you to freely customize your event. “A pavilion surrounded by relaxing meadows make for a perfect setting for your ceremony, outdoor reception or special gathering,” Kaalaas says. “The bonfire pit is always a favorite for evening gatherings, and our cocktail cabana allows for a more intimate affair.” And they keep adding new items all the time. New editions include galvanized tubs, lace drapes at the ceremony pavilion, a vintage bicycle, vintage carpenters toolbox and much more. At Rein Fire Ranch, wedding are a specialty. One of the best features on their website (www.reinfireranch.com) is the list “We believe it is very important to part- and engagement photo sessions are availof vendors they work with. You can find evable by request. Kaalaas and Delmar have been involved in the Seattle LGBTQ community for quite a while, and bring all that knowledge to a venue that is welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Some things they’ve helped lead or were involved with are the famed LazyBear Weekend (Delmar is Events Director/Co Exec-Director), Kaalass was executive director from 2001-2012 for the Northern Xposure fundraising event, which raised over $100K for Lambert House, and the infamous Two Knights Events which produced the 7 Deadly Sins Dance series 2010-2012, raising $4K for Gay City. “We can host any type of event, from weddings to company picnics, even memorial services,” said Kaalaas. “George’s and my background really lend well to bringing over 20 years of event production experience to any wedding or event.” For more information, visit www.reinfireranch.com or send email to info@reinfireranch.com or call (360) 886-5102. Tours are scheduled by appointment only, MondayThursday, and on Saturday.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
courtesy of Rein Fire Ranch
Spread out over more than 10 acres and nestled within the serene Sugarloaf Mountain valley, Gay-owned Rein Fire Ranch (27615 340th Ave SE Ravensdale, WA 98051) is the ideal setting for a uniquely beautiful backdrop to your event – especially a wedding! Having received the WeddingWire.com’s Couples Choice Award in 2015, Rein Fire Ranch now ranks in the top 5% when it comes to customer service and venue. At just 45 minutes from downtown Seattle and Tacoma, Rein Fire Ranch is easy to find, a nice scenic drive and easy on the gas tank. Once there, you are free to stage your own event, or work with a full service team to do it for you. According to its owners, Rich Kaalaas and George Delmar, at Rein Fire Ranch they “strive to exceed your expectations.” “We have owned the ranch since 2001,”
courtesy of Rein Fire Ranch
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Seattle Gay News
February 13, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
February 13, 2015
Seattle Gay News
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Seattle Gay News
February 13, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
courtesy of GreenBank Farm
Greenbank continued from cover
created by mature trees is made all the more charming by the stone bridge, while a larger outdoor event may call for using the lawn nestled between the pond and entry gardens. Events at the Farm may be completely personalized. Any caterer or rental company may be used, and we are happy to offer referrals to high-quality, local vendors. We provide tables and chairs for up to 175 guests at no additional charge, and parking and restrooms are readily available to your guests. courtesy of GreenBank Farm
Our property includes large expansive trails through open fields and forest, scenic wetlands, a pond surrounded by beautiful waterfowl, pastured horses, an Organic Farm School, and a number of historic buildings. Visitors to Farm events may also mingle around and enjoy any of our three art galleries, cheese and specialties store, our Farm shop featuring local wine and gifts, and the Whidbey Pies Cafe, famous for its pies. Interested in learning more about hosting your event at the Greenbank Farm? If so, contact Madisun ClarkStern, our Events & Facility Rental Coordinator at 360-678-7710 or events@ greenbankfarm.com. More information can be found online at greenbankfarm. org. We look forward to helping you with your special day! Courtesy of Greenbank Farm
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Announcements The first thing you need to do is let your family and friends know the good news. Experienced union printers can help you design beautiful wedding announcements, and they’ll be sure to have them ready on time and on budget. Teamsters Local 117 represents many printers in the Seattle area. Just Google “union print shops” and you’ll find one near you. The Teamsters’ alliance with our community goes all the way back to Harvey Milk
Accommodations UNITE HERE Local 8 represents hotel, food service, and banquet workers. They were among the earliest endorsers of marriage equality, as far back as the Andersen Supreme Court case in 2006. Local 8 also won the first hotel contract in the country to explicitly protect Transgender workers, at the Westin Hotel in 2007. If you need a place for your reception, Local 8’s website lists all the union hotels in the Puget Sound area. Typically, union hotels will have a number of banquet rooms available in different sizes. Of course, they can also accommodate out-of-town family and friends visiting for the wedding. If your first choice of venues can’t accommodate you, feel free to contact Local 8 directly. Their friendly staff can suggest alternatives. Venues to avoid include the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt at Olive 8 hotels, and Thirteen Coins restaurants, which are all under boycott because of labor disputes.
Fred Meyer – will have a deli section that prepares food platters to order. Most larger markets also have bakery sections that can provide wedding cakes, and assorted pastries for the reception. And UFCW-represented markets now carry a full selection of liquor. Many UFCW-represented markets also have floral departments that can provide flower arrangements and centerpieces. A complete list of markets represented by UFCW 21 is available on their website. Music No wedding would be complete without music, and American Federation of Musicians Local 76-493 devotes an entire page of its website to booking musicians for weddings. First look at the union’s helpful hints for planning a wedding, then go to the online booking form. Once you submit the form, Local 76-493 will consult with you about
your request and then send it out to members. Musicians who play the style of music you requested will contact you with demo recordings and other promotional materials. They are happy to meet with couples to be sure there is mutual chemistry and agreement about the musical selections for the service and reception. Technical support You might also need a sound system for the wedding or reception. IATSE Local 15 represents stagehands, projectionists, and sound technicians. If you need sound equipment, or if you have the equipment, but need experienced technicians to operate it, contact IATSE Local 15. They have several production companies under contract that can set up and operate a sound system for you, or they can send technicians to run a system that is already in place unitehere1.org
You’re getting married! Congratulations. You want your wedding day to be the happiest day of your life, not the day you’ll never live down. But weddings can involve scores of people working on hundreds of details. Any one of them could go wrong and set off a cascade effect that spoils what otherwise would have been a magical day. You can line up a team of experienced professionals to help with your wedding by choosing union services and venues. At the same time you can reciprocate for the resources that the Washington State Labor Council, the SEIU State Council, and their affiliated union locals put into many campaigns for your rights. In fact, the unions that can help with your wedding plans have often been the most active supporters of LGBT rights. Visits to a few union websites, or a couple of calls to locals representing skilled workers who can help with your wedding plans, might make all the difference between a wedding that wows your friends and family and one that makes all of you wish you hadn’t gotten out of bed.
and the Coors Beer Boycott in 1974.
Food and beverages UNITE HERE 8 also represents a number of caterers who can deliver food and beverages to your party, and they are also listed on the Local 8 website. UFCW Local 21 represents retail food workers and food processors. They are also long-time supporters of marriage equality, and they hosted the Washington United for Marriage campaign office in their Georgetown union hall. Some of UFCW’s markets also cater weddings – Metropolitan Market, Central Coop and PCC Natural Markets, for example. If you want a less formal reception, any large union market – Safeway, QFC, Albertson’s,
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Seattle Gay News
February 13, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
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February 13, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
View at Space Needle Courtesy of Chihuly Garden and Glass
Courtesy of Space Needle
INVITE SEATTLE TO YOUR RECEPTION Say “I do” in truly iconic Seattle Style. Located at the 100’ elevation of Seattle’s landmark Space Needle, the SkyLine Level offers an unforgettable experience on your most special day. With a 360-degree panoramic view, you can raise a glass with the Seattle skyline as your backdrop, dine overlooking majestic Mt. Rainier, and dance the night away with the star-speckled Olympics and Cascades. Create the ultimate Pacific Northwest experience with elegant cuisine derived from fresh, local ingredients and celebrate without a care as your personal event planner ensures the day is everything you always dreamed it would be. At the Space Needle, the view to your forever will be unforgettable.
Courtesy of Space Needle
Capture the romance in a venue as vibrant as the occasion. Chihuly Garden and Glass offers a truly spectacular place to host your wedding or special occasion. Visually stunning, this unique setting includes an eight-gallery exhibition surrounded by a richly landscaped garden and a centerpiece glasshouse featuring a 100-foot-long suspended sculpture. Delight in this exquisite venue, which celebrates the career and significant artwork of internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly.
Table at Space Needle
Artwork at Chihuly Garden and Glass
courtesy of Visit Kitsap
John Doe
Kitsap
continued from cover Clearwater Casino Resort have restaurants, entertainment and pre-party functions. Bridal parties can pamper themselves in the spa and salon and be ready to dance the night away. The Oxford Suites and Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotels host memorable celebrations and onsite lodging for your guests. Make your day special by inviting an officiant with the special touch – someone who cares about your story and who will celebrate your love. Bride Kari Hansen highly recommends the services of Rev. Amber Bartz – “… to any couple the joy with which [Rev. Amber] participated in our wedding helped us begin our marriage in exactly the way we wanted.” With “fresh-and-local” the focus of many Kitsap Peninsula caterers and restaurants your guests will taste only the best we have to offer. Caterers such as Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Cafe, Sweet & Savories, Essence of Thyme and other professionals
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February 13, 2015
offer thoughtful options for all tastes and any sized guest list. Sweet Life Cakery in Kingston makes award-winning desserts from the finest ingredients so your wedding dessert looks and tastes amazing. The local spirits flow freely from local estate vineyards such as Bainbridge Island Vineyards, Perennial Vintners, Olalla Valley Vineyard and Winery, and Eleven Winery and their award winning wines. As well as boutique breweries like Sound Brewing and Volhal Brewery who’ve been honored for their specialty beers. With so much to offer, the Kitsap Peninsula has everything. At VisitKitsap.com we want your wedding to be everything you dream. Let us help you check off those todos to make your I-Dos as perfect as your love story. Visit our website www.VisitKitsap.com/Wedding for these resources and many more. Find our Pinterest Kitsap Peninsula Wedding Board or call us at (800) 337-0580 and let us refer you. Courtesy of VisitKitsap
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